Meet Our Team: The Architects of Your Raja Ampat Expedition

At Raja Ampat Dive Liveaboard, our strength lies in the collective expertise and passion of our dedicated team. Comprising seasoned marine biologists, master dive instructors, luxury travel consultants, and local cultural experts, our professionals are the heart and soul of every unforgettable journey. Each member brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to delivering an unparalleled luxury expedition experience in Raja Ampat, Misool, and Wayag. We are proud to introduce the individuals who ensure your adventure is safe, enriching, and truly extraordinary.

Our Leadership & Core Specialists

Our team embodies the E-E-A-T principles (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) that define Raja Ampat Dive Liveaboard. We believe in transparency and showcasing the credentials that make us the leading choice for luxury liveaboard expeditions in Indonesia.

• Captain Made Wijaya

  Role: Fleet Operations Director & Senior Master Mariner

  Credentials: Class I Master Mariner (ANT I) certification from the Directorate General of Sea Transportation (Ditjen Hubla), over 25 years of experience navigating Indonesian waters, specializing in the challenging currents and intricate archipelagos of Raja Ampat. Certified in Advanced Marine Safety & Emergency Response.

  Bio: Born and raised in coastal Bali, Captain Made’s life has been intertwined with the sea. His unparalleled knowledge of Raja Ampat’s diverse dive sites, hidden coves, and weather patterns ensures smooth, safe, and optimal navigation. He personally oversees the training of all vessel captains and crew, upholding the highest standards of maritime safety and operational excellence for our luxury Phinisi fleet. His expertise is crucial in crafting itineraries that maximize both safety and discovery.

• Dr. Anya Sari Dewi

  Role: Lead Marine Biologist & Conservation Advisor

  Credentials: Ph.D. in Marine Biology from James Cook University (Australia), B.Sc. in Oceanography from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer (MSDT), active researcher with Conservation International Indonesia and Misool Foundation.

  Bio: Dr. Anya is our resident expert on Raja Ampat’s unparalleled biodiversity. Her research focuses on coral reef ecology and sustainable marine practices. She designs our educational programs, leads citizen science initiatives during expeditions, and ensures our operations align with the latest conservation guidelines. Anya’s insights provide guests with a deeper understanding of the vibrant ecosystems they explore, enriching every dive and snorkel experience.

• Pak Budi Santoso

  Role: Head of Guest Experience & Luxury Concierge

  Credentials: Certified Luxury Travel Specialist (CLTS), Diploma in Hospitality Management from STP Nusa Dua Bali, 18 years of experience in 5-star hotel and luxury resort management across Indonesia.

  Bio: Pak Budi is dedicated to perfecting every aspect of your onboard experience. From personalized dietary requests to bespoke excursion planning, his meticulous attention to detail ensures that every guest enjoys seamless comfort and unparalleled service. He curates our luxury amenities, manages our highly trained service staff, and ensures that the warmth of Indonesian hospitality is felt throughout your journey.

• Ibu Siti Aminah

  Role: Cultural Liaison & Community Engagement Manager

  Credentials: B.A. in Anthropology from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), extensive experience working with indigenous communities in West Papua, certified local guide by Kementerian Pariwisata (Ministry of Tourism).

  Bio: Ibu Siti is our bridge to the rich cultural tapestry of Raja Ampat. She fosters respectful and mutually beneficial relationships with local villages, ensuring our visits are culturally sensitive and contribute positively to community development. She organizes authentic cultural exchanges, supports local artisans, and provides guests with profound insights into the traditions and daily life of the Papuan people, making every land excursion meaningful.

• Dionisius ‘Dion’ Papare

  Role: Senior Dive Instructor & Underwater Photographer

  Credentials: PADI Course Director, SSI Dive Instructor Trainer, Emergency First Response Instructor, DAN Oxygen Provider, Award-winning Underwater Photographer.

  Bio: Hailing from Sorong, Dion’s intimate knowledge of Raja Ampat’s dive sites is unmatched. With thousands of dives logged in the region, he guides guests to the most spectacular reefs and ensures every dive is conducted with the utmost safety and enjoyment. His passion for underwater photography means he’s always ready to share tips and help guests capture the magic of Raja Ampat’s marine life. Dion is instrumental in maintaining our high safety standards and ensuring an exceptional diving experience for all skill levels.

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in the caliber of our team. We invite you to experience the difference that true expertise makes. To learn more about our operational standards and commitment to quality, please visit our Editorial Standards page and our Safety & Compliance page. For more information on our luxury expeditions, please visit Raja Ampat Dive Liveaboard.

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Continue exploring Raja Ampat Dive Liveaboard:
Our Raja Ampat Dive Liveaboard Service ·
Meet Our Team ·
Editorial Standards ·
Methodology ·
Sustainability ·
Safety & Compliance

Beyond the surface: Unveiling Raja Ampat’s unparalleled biodiversity

Imagine the silent ballet of a manta ray gliding effortlessly overhead, or the vibrant tapestry of a coral garden bursting with life, each moment meticulously curated. Our resident marine biologists, many with decades of experience exploring these very waters, possess an intimate understanding of Raja Ampat’s delicate ecosystems. They aren’t merely guides; they are passionate interpreters of this underwater world, sharing profound insights into the intricate relationships between its myriad inhabitants. Their unparalleled expertise transforms every dive into an educational expedition, revealing ecological nuances that might otherwise go unnoticed, deepening your connection to this pristine realm.

Our master dive instructors, certified to the highest international standards, are not only vigilant guardians of your safety but also enthusiastic educators. They expertly navigate you through the archipelago’s most famed dive sites, from the vibrant, current-swept reefs of Misool to the critical biodiversity hotspots of Dampier Strait, ensuring every fin-kick is purposeful and every encounter meaningful. They empower divers of all levels, from seasoned professionals to those embarking on their first luxury Raja Ampat dive liveaboard adventure, to connect deeply and respectfully with this unparalleled environment. Raja Ampat, nestled within the heart of the